Page 34 - Real Rochdale Issue 21 Spring 2024
P. 34

Health and wellbeing during



                                                                                                                                                             Wood season






                                                                                                                                Spring is a time of renewal, growth, flexibility
                                                                                                                                and increased energy, and, in traditional
                                                                                                                                Chinese medicine (TCM), is associated with the
                                                                                                                                wood element.


                                                                                                                                A holistic approach to health, TCM views the
                                                                                                                                body as a balance of five elements: wood, fire,
                                                                                                                                earth, metal and water.


                                                                                                                                To stay healthy, these elements – which are
                                                                                                                                associated with specific organs and their
                                                                                                                                related functions – need to be in harmony.              ABOUT THE WRITER
                                                                                                                                                                                        Suzanne Cooper is a complementary
                                                                                                                                Emotionally, wood is linked to feelings of              healthcare therapist using the principles of
                                                                                                                                                                                        traditional Chinese medicine.
                                                                                                                                expansion, vision, and forward movement.
                                                                                                                                When the wood element is in balance, our
                                                                                                                                energy flows smoothly, shown by emotional            digestion and boost the immune system. They
                                                                                                                                stability and the ability to adapt to changes. On    enhance nutrient absorption, support a diverse
                                                                                                                                the flip side, an imbalance in the wood element      gut microbiome, and produce short-chain fatty
                                                                                                                                can show as feelings of frustration, irritability,   acids that keep the digestive system happy.
                                                                                                                                impatience, or feeling stuck.
                                                                                                                                                                                     TCM also associates the liver with the eyes, and
                                                                                                                                Physical and emotional health go hand in hand,       it is advisable to take breaks from prolonged
                                                                                                                                so looking after emotional wellbeing helps           screen time, practise eye exercises, and spend
                                                                                                                                restore overall balance. Find healthy ways to        time outdoors to support eye health.
                                                                                                                                express emotions, such as journalling, art, or
                                                                                                                                talking with a trusted friend. Deep breathing        With spring being a time of increased energy
                                                                                                                                exercises and meditation can also calm the           and vitality, regular exercises which promote
                                                                                                                                mind and promote relaxation.                         flexibility are a good choice: tai chi and qigong
                                                                                                                                                                                     with their graceful moves can make you feel
                                                                                                                                The wood element is associated with the liver        balanced and flexible.
                                                                                                                                and gallbladder organs: as nature undergoes a
                                                                                                                                renewal process in spring, it is an ideal time for   If you are into yoga and Pilates, go for poses
                                                                                                                                us to do the same with a gentle detox to             that involve twists; these bring a refreshing
                                                                                                                                support the liver’s natural functions.               stretch for your body and can help your liver to
                                                                                                                                                                                     detox and aid digestion. Stretches for your hips,
                                                                                                                                Diet and nutrition align with the seasons, so        thighs and sides are great to prevent stiffness
                                                                                                                                choose foods that are fresh, seasonal, and           and enable better movement.
                                                                                                                                mainly green. Sour-tasting foods (such as citrus
                                                                                                                                fruits or cranberries), fermented foods (like        Outdoor activities like hiking or walking are
                                                                                                                                pickles and sauerkraut) and apple cider vinegar      good, as being out in nature is a boost for your
                                                                                                                                are also good as they add flavour and improve        overall wellbeing.
                                                                                                                                your natural energy flow.
                                                                                                                                                                                     Think of spring as a time to refresh your body,
                                                                                                                                Fermented foods are wonderful for gut health,        keep it flexible, and strike a balance between
                                                                                                                                as they contain probiotics that promote              how you feel and how your body is doing.
          REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024                       34                                                                                                                    35                     REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024
   29   30   31   32   33   34   35   36   37   38   39